The spiritual weakness of churches founded by Western missionaries: The cause of the rise of Africa Independent Churches in Zimbabwe with special reference to the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

Abstract

The Presbytery of Zimbabwe (POZ) of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa(UPCSA) has been affected by a drastic exodus of members to African Independent Churches,which is taking advantage of its spiritual weaknesses in its missional endeavour. The spiritual weaknesses which the people of the POZ experiences are a product of the evangelical mode of mission in Zimbabwean society and the failure by both foreign and local personnel tocontextualise the Good News. This article considers the possibility of correcting this stateof affairs. The central issue addressed is how to understand the context and achieve the necessary change.

Author affiliations

David Mushayavanhu,
Department of Church History and Church Polity, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Graham A. Duncan,
Department of Church History and Church Polity, University of Pretoria, South Africa